Crosstalk between γδ T cells and the microbiota

The role of the microbiota in the development and function of γδ T cells—a T cell subset characterized by a T cell receptor composed of one γ-chain and one δ-chain—has been investigated in multiple organs in mice and humans. Interactions between the microbiota and γδ T cells affect both tissue homeostasis and disease pathologies. Notably, microbiota-induced interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing-γδ T cells can mediate a range of immunological processes, from metabolic disorders to neuroinflammation via the gut–brain axis. However, the bidirectional interactions between γδ T cells and the microbiota have not been fully determined. In this Perspective, we dissect the roles of microbiota in modulating γδ T cell development and function, and evaluate the evidence for γδ T cell selection of commensal communities. We also discuss the potential implications of these cells in health and disease and the major open questions and research avenues in the field. This Perspective discusses current knowledge of the complex crosstalk between the microbiota and γδ T cells and future outlooks.